Key Message: Even with professional knowledge, hands-on projects are a process of problem-solving. The goal is a functional, lightweight part, and […]
From Scrap Foam to Flying: Building a Custom Pump Foil Board Read More »
Beyond the Slam: Engineering Composite Doors for a Performance Catamaran Author: Shayne & Anna Key Message: The choice of material is
Engineering Lighter, Smarter: Why We’re Replacing Paikea’s Wooden Doors with Composites Read More »
Key Message: Choosing materials isn’t about what’s “strongest,” but about how they handle loads and, just as importantly, how they fail.
Staunchion Sockets: A Masterclass in Material Selection and Failure Modes Read More »
Author: Anna and Shayne Key Topic: This blog post provides a technical breakdown of the initial stages of the Paikea refit, detailing
Project Initiation: Structural Review and Weight Reduction Strategy for Catana 42 Refit Read More »
Author: Anna and Shayne Key Topic: This post documents Paikea’s return to Barcelona for her next refit phase, reflecting on major past
Topic: We replaced our Catamaran 42’s original aluminum front beam with a custom carbon fiber beam and longeron. This wasn’t
Carbon Fiber vs. Aluminum Beam: A Catamaran Structural Upgrade Read More »
Key Topic: This upgrade represents the ultimate expression of our refit philosophy: giving the world’s best materials a brilliant second life.
From Racing Mast to Custom Bow Pole: Reincarnating America’s Cup Carbon Read More »
Key Topic: Replacing our catamaran’s aluminum beam with carbon fiber meant reinventing how critical components attach. For the forestay, this led
Engineering a Bespoke Forestay Attachment & Mastering “Wet Preg” Read More »
Key Message: The de-bagging process confirmed a successful vacuum bag: our complex carbon fiber beam-to-hull joint emerged perfectly consolidated into
The Vacuum Bag Reveal: Assessing Our Carbon Fiber Beam Laminate Read More »
Topic: Successfully vacuum bagging a structural joint is the true test of composite skill. This guide details the advanced techniques
Beyond Flat Panels: Vacuum Bagging a Complex Carbon Fiber Beam-to-Hull Joint Read More »
